About 150 attended the American Red Cross' 14th annual Humanitarian Heroes Luncheon, which was emceed by Whitney Kent of WVLT-TV and featured Scottie Mayfied as its keynote speaker.

"As you heard, I was a scoutmaster for 13 years and when Scot MacIlveen (of Home Federal Bank) called and asked me to speak, I thought, 'How do you say no to a former Scout?' Well, you don't."

Remarking that he was honored to visit with a group of people dedicated to helping others, Mayfield said, "I was a scoutmaster because I thought having boys turn into young men while reciting the Scout Oath and Law was a good thing."

The Scout Oath states: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country. To obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

"This is good stuff for young men between the ages of 10 and a half and 18," the keynote speaker said.

"When we think of heroes," Mayfield said, "we think of soldiers who fight and sometimes die to preserve our freedom here in America. We think of a person who is confronted with an exceptional circumstance and reacts to save a life or prevent a major catastrophe.

"What we don't always do is recognize the Everyday Heroes — the people who go to work every day or volunteer every chance they get to help other people."

The keynote speaker stated the American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

"The American Red Cross — through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners — is always there in times of need," said Mayfield, noting that the various missions of the local as well as global organization include providing care, shelter and hope to those afflicted by disaster; ensuring communities are prepared for disaster; providing access to a safe, life-saving blood supply; comforting and supporting members of our Armed Services and their families; and ensuring that in emergencies "we have trained individuals nearby and ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives."

Mayfield challenged luncheon attendees to:

• List a few teachers who aided you through your educational journey;

Page 2 of 2 - • Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time;

• Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile;

• Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special; and

• Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Crediting Charles Schultz for the Q&A, Mayfield said the point is that the people who make a difference in your life are not necessarily the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. Rather, they are the ones who "care" the most.

"Who has taught you, helped you, appreciated you and made you feel special?" Mayfield asked. "Who do you enjoy being around?

"Are you one of those people? Are you volunteering to help with Scouts or the church or the Red Cross? Are you smiling and being friendly and welcoming to others? … Are you trustworthy, loyal to your friends, helpful to your Mom and co-workers?

"Are you friendly to folks you don't even know, courteous to others and open the door for them? Are you kind to others, obedient to your parents or your school or your place of work? Are you cheerful with a smile on your face and in your heart, clean in your health habits, thrifty and not wasteful?

"Are you brave enough to face things even when you are afraid and are you reverent to God and faithful to your religion? Are you proud of the hero you are to others?

"People looking for heroes are lucky," said Mayfield, "if they are watching people like you."